The Yankees have been playing with a serious lack of emotion as of late, but it is now time for them to finally start showing some urgency.
The Yankees have seen their once tremendous lead for the first AL Wild Card spot dwindle down to just one game over Oakland. It’s been well documented a lot this season about the struggles the Bronx Bombers have dealt with. But this is now the most crucial juncture of the season.
Following the finale against the Twins, the Yankees will begin their final homestand of the season. They will take on Toronto, Boston, and Baltimore. Before they end the season playing four against Tampa and the final three in Boston to close out the season.
The Yankees are in a vulnerable position as we noted with the collapse in their lead in the AL Wild Card. However, they remain in possession of the first Wild Card spot. If the Yanks are looking to remain in that top Wild Card spot certain aspects of their play must be addressed.
Dealing With Uncertainty
We covered the biggest questions facing the Yanks in September, and one of those questions was about health. Namely the health of the wrist of Aaron Judge. And while we got some good news, with Judge taking swings off the tee and batting practice.
We’ve also gotten hit with some bad news as well, in the fact that the fractured wrist is not pain-free. Judge will have to find a way to manage and tolerate the pain and try to contribute for the remainder of the season. Aaron Judge isn’t the only Yankee that there is uncertainty with as closer Aroldis Chapman has yet to face real hitters. But is set to return “sometime next week” The Yankees will need their bullpen at full strength if they are going to have any chance for success in October.
Pushing The Limit
Beyond the health concerns, the Yankees cannot continue playing baseball the way they have been for quite some time. In the playoffs playing .500 baseball is playing losing baseball. The Yanks must dig deep and find the reservoir of talent they possess and pull up from that well. If not the unexpected deep playoff run of 2017 will not be outdone in 2018.
The Major League Baseball season is a long one. Often described as a marathon or a war of attrition. And the Yankees have faced those hardships. But in order for the Yanks to achieve their ultimate goal of winning the World Series they must push past.
They must push past the health concerns, they must push past the inconsistency. But also they must pull together and play with the youthful exuberance that they had early in the season. This team is extremely talented and have the potential to make a serious run at the crown. But changes must be made to their current level of play.